Sinner set for ‘toughest challenge’ in semi-final against Djokovic after swatting Shelton

• No 1 seed eases past American 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

• ‘It’s a Grand Slam, it’s always very difficult against Novak’

Jannik Sinner says his semi-final meeting with Novak Djokovic presents one of the toughest challenges in tennis after defeating Ben Shelton on Wednesday afternoon. “It’s very difficult,” Sinner said. “It’s one of the toughest challenges we have in our sport. It’s great to have Novak playing at this very, very high level. It’s a Grand Slam, it’s always very difficult against Novak. Let’s see what’s coming.”

Sinner’s 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 quarter-final victory over the seventh seed extended his commanding record against Shelton to 9-1, with Sinner winning 22 consecutive sets since the 23-year-old American won their first meeting. Such dominance over one of the best young players in the world indicates just how far ahead Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are of the rest of the field. Continue reading...